The first consignment of onions from Afghanistan, weighing 16 tonnes, entered Indian territory on trucks through the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari on Thursday.

A Delhi-based importer, Budh International, recently got clearance from the government to import onions from Afghanistan for the first time, since Pakistan banned its export to India recently.

Manav Taneja, customs clearing agent at Attari, said that the import of onions from Afghanistan could help in bringing down prices in India. The price of the vegetable is currently hovering around Rs 55 a kg after peaking at Rs 80. This first consignment of onions will be released from the ICP on Friday, Taneja added.

The imported onions cost the importer Rs 25-30 a kg, and the firm may sell them at Rs 35 a kg. In order to avoid transportation cost to Delhi, these onions are likely to be sold within Punjab only. Such consignments from Afghanistan are likely to continue for the next few days.